Ted Turner Dies at 87; CNN Founder Changed News Forever

A Revolutionary Force in Media

Ted Turner, the visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized television and created the 24-hour news cycle with the launch of sources, has died at 87. His death was confirmed by a family spokesman, Phillip Evans, at his residence near Tallahassee, Florida.

In 2018, Turner publicly announced he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disease. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who radically transformed the media landscape in the latter half of the 20th century.

Pioneering the 24-Hour News Cycle

Turner's most enduring legacy is the Cable News Network (sources), which he founded in 1980. The venture was initially met with skepticism, but it fundamentally altered how news was consumed by offering round-the-clock coverage, a stark contrast to the scheduled evening broadcasts of established networks.

The concept proved immensely successful, forcing competitors to adapt and creating a globalized, instantaneous flow of information. He expanded on this success by creating spinoff channels, including sources Headline News for quick updates and sources International, which extended the network's reach across the globe.

Building a Broadcasting and Sports Empire

Long before sources, Turner laid the groundwork for his empire by transforming a small Atlanta station into TBS (Turner Broadcasting System), one of the first television "superstations." By broadcasting its signal via satellite, TBS reached millions of homes across the United States, setting a new standard for cable television.

He later launched a sister channel, TNT (Turner Network Television), further cementing his dominance in cable entertainment. His influence also extended to professional sports, most notably through his ownership of MLB's Atlanta Braves and the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, which he used to provide content for his growing network of channels.

Beyond his business ventures, Turner was a prominent philanthropist and environmentalist. His significant contributions included a landmark $1 billion pledge to support United Nations causes, which led to the creation of the UN Foundation. His career was defined by relentless innovation and a portfolio of ventures that lesources a considerable and lasting impact on American culture, news, and entertainment.